EP 28: Career Ownership and Visibility for Administrative Professionals with Emer McCarthy

In this episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears talk about one of the biggest challenges assistants face. 

Many of us wait for permission before we take action or put ourselves forward. 

Craig and Jodie explore why this happens, how the role has changed, and what it looks like to move into a more proactive and confident place in your career.
They talk honestly about the fear of being seen, the pressure to look busy, and the belief that hard work will speak for itself. 

They share real stories from their own careers and explain how small, steady actions help you build a strong reputation over time.

Listener Question
“I often hear that personal brand matters even when you are not looking for a new role. But what does that actually mean for an assistant? How do I show my value without feeling like I am selling myself?”

Expert Contributor
Émer McCarthy, Principal Consultant at C&C Search, explains what a personal brand looks like for assistants. 

She shares why your personal brand is simply the reputation you have when you are not in the room, and how small, helpful actions build trust over time. 

Emer also talks about reliability, sharing solutions, asking for feedback, and supporting your network.

Episode Highlights

• Why assistants get stuck waiting for permission and how to break the habit.
• The mindset shift that helps you move from doing the work to showing the value.
• How to use quiet days to spot problems, try new ideas, and be more proactive.
• Why hard work alone will not make you visible and what actually does.
• The banker and builder mindset that helps you grow instead of staying stuck.
• A simple explanation of personal brand for assistants who do not want to brag.
• The small daily actions that build trust, confidence, and new career chances.

Value Bomb
Émer McCarthy: " it's simply the reputation that you have when you're not in the room"